Ruzizi Tented Lodge has a spectacular waterside location at Lake Ihema, and is one of only three lodges located within Akagera National Park. This flourishing wilderness area is a microcosm of Rwanda’s inspiring and rapid growth in conservation, and after the reintroduction of rhino, Akagera will once again be home to the Big 5.
The park is a scenic drive from the capital city, Kigali, and offers the perfect opportunity to see savannah animals after a gorilla- or chimp-trekking safari. Of the country’s three national parks, it is the only one where you can see such a diversity of landscapes encompassing freshwater lakes, marshes, papyrus swamps, open plains, mountains and woodlands. Wildlife highlights include hippo (often sighted and heard in the waters close to the lodge), leopards (most frequently sighted of all the predators), lion, side-striped jackal, rare blue monkey, elephant, threatened Masai giraffe, buffalo, zebra and various antelope species including rare sitatunga.
Birding in the park is also exceptional with 482 recorded species – watch African fish eagles and kingfishers fly over the lake in front of the lodge and venture out to find the bizarre-looking shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek (both restricted to papyrus swamps) or the endemic red-faced barbet and swamp flycatcher .
The eco-conscious and down-to-earth tented lodge is small and intimate, and you will receive warm and friendly service from the team. There are a number of activities to enjoy such as boating trips, a unique ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the park headquarters, game drives, night drives, guided walks and community visits.